The 7th of November is a special day in the studio. Well – it’s a special day for studio muse and assistant, Theodore E Bear (who you will know as Ted).
You see, the 7th of November is Hug a Bear Day. It’s one of Ted’s favourite days (although he does have a lot of them).
This is a day dedicated to celebtrating – and loving – that little cuddly friend, the teddy bear.
My own little Ted only came to stay a few years ago – but I have always been a lover of teddies. In fact, I wrote (and illustrated) a thesis (Paws, Claws, Fluff and Stuff) on that very subject back in my college days. Perhaps I will share some of that some day….
A Little Teddy Bear History
Apparently – teddies may have been around thousands of years, possible as far back as Ancient Egypt. (Well – OK, there is evidence that there were soft toys then, they may not have been bears).
But, and you may already know this – a cuddly bear was just that, a bear, until 1902, when the then American President at the time, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, was hunting and refused to shoot a baby bear whilst huntong (he shouldn’t have been hunting anything mind you!)… Anyway, due to that act – the name Teddy Bear was coined.
It’s actually impossible to say whp produced the first stuffed tow Teddy Bear – as two were produced at exactly the same time, one in Germany, one in the USA, with neither knowing about the other. (No social media back then you see).
So, today, Ted and I encourage you to Hug A Bear!
Perhaps you could gift a bear to someone (cuddly or otherwise – there are of course some bear related items in my shop..)
Just take a moment to appreciate the teddy bear and all the magic and wonder that they bring.
Oh – and please do continue to follow the adventures of Jac and Ted. Have you signed up to our mailing list yet?
All new subscribers get 10% off in either my website shop or Etsy (however you prefer to shop), and you will get a weekly (ish!) update from myself and Ted. (and if it’s not for you you can unsubscribe at any time).